Connecting straps for sports activities

ABSTRACT

Connecting straps for use for example in sports activities and methods of attaching the connecting straps. In one example, a connection strap system includes a connecting strap and a peg strap configured to be attached to the connecting strap. An example of the connecting strap includes (a) a sleeve of webbing having a first end and a second end and having a loop at each end, each loop having a base and a free end, (b) disposed within the sleeve of webbing, a band of elastic material extending in a continuous loop, and (c) an attachment strap, adjacent each loop, configured to secure a portion of the band to the webbing at the base of each loop. In some cases, the band has a solid, polygonal cross-sectional shape. The peg strap has a peg-loop at each end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority toco-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 16/946,058 filed on Jun. 4, 2020,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/864,757 filed on Jun. 21, 2019, the entire disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

When two participants of unequal strength or ability, for example anadult and child, participate in certain sporting or leisure activitiestogether, such as riding bicycles or motorbikes or skiing together, itcan be difficult or even impossible for them to both maintain the samespeed. In some cases, such as bicycling uphill, the less proficientparticipant will fall behind, while in other cases, such as downhillskiing, the less proficient participant may end up unintentionally goingtoo fast and potentially losing control. Thus, for safety andenjoyability of the activity it can be desirable to provide a way tojoin the two participants together.

However, it is important from a safety standpoint that any type ofconnecting strap be strong enough to avoid failure due to the forcesthat will be encountered, not dangle onto the ground or into a rider'swheel, and not jerk either user during use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure pertains to connecting straps, and in particularto straps for connecting two persons taking part in a sports activity,or in some cases a person and an object to be towed.

In one aspect, the disclosure features a connecting strap that includes(a) a sleeve of webbing having a first end and a second end and having aloop at each end, each loop having a base and a free end, (b) disposedwithin the sleeve of webbing, a band of elastic material extending in acontinuous loop, and (c) an attachment strap, adjacent each loop,configured to secure a portion of the band to the webbing at the base ofeach loop.

Some implementations of the connecting strap include one or more of thefollowing features.

The band may have a solid, polygonal cross-sectional shape. Thecross-sectional shape of the band may be, for example, square orrectangular.

The attachment strap may be formed of polyester or nylon. In some cases,the attachment strap will bunch up when tension is released from theelastic band causing the elastic band to draw it together. Theattachment strap has two ends, and preferably is looped through the bandand secured by stitching both ends of the attachment strap to thewebbing. In some cases, each loop is formed by doubling a free end ofthe sleeve back and securing the free end in place with the samestitching that secures the ends of the attachment strap to the webbing,thereby forming the base of the loop with one continuous piece ofwebbing.

In some implementations, the webbing sleeve is configured for a maximumelongation of 4:1 and the band is configured for a maximum elongation of7:1. The band may be formed of a natural rubber or thermoplasticelastomer, for example, of dipped natural latex. In some cases, the bandis configured to pull no more than 18 pounds of weight, for example, nomore than 15 pounds of weight, before the webbing sleeve engages andtakes the load. The webbing sleeve is configured to prevent the rubberfrom being over stretched as well as protecting the rubber from UVdamage. The band may, for example, have a length of from about 40 to 50inches when in a relaxed (unstretched) condition. At full extension thelength of the band can reach about 160 to 200 inches. The webbing sleevemay be formed of polypropylene or nylon.

In another aspect, the present disclosure features methods of utilizingthe connecting straps disclosed herein to tow a person or object whileengaging in a sports activity. The person who is doing the towing mayattached the connecting strap to his or her body (e.g., around thewaist) or to a bicycle or other article of sports equipment being usedby the person towing. The other end of the connecting strap is attachedto the person or item to be towed.

In some implementations a connection system comprises a connecting strapincluding a webbing sleeve having a first end and a second end andhaving a loop at each end, each loop having a base and a free end, anddisposed within the webbing sleeve, a band of elastic material extendingin a continuous loop, the connecting strap further including anattachment strap, adjacent each loop, configured to secure a portion ofthe band to the webbing at the base of each loop. The connection systemfurther includes a peg strap having a peg-loop at each end, theconnecting strap being attached to the peg strap.

Some implementations of the connecting strap include any one or more ofthe features discussed above.

Some implementations of the peg strap include one or more of thefollowing features.

The peg strap may be formed of a substantially inextensible material.For example, the peg strap may be made of a nylon or woven polypropylenewebbing. In some examples, the webbing of the peg strap may have a widthof approximately one inch and a thickness in a range of 0.070 to 0.075inches. In one example, the webbing of the peg strap has a breakingstrength of 3000 pounds, and is capable of handling a working load of atleast 1000 pounds.

In some examples, the peg strap has a length in a range of 60 inches to80 inches. In one example, the peg strap has a length of about 67inches. In some examples, each peg loop has a length, measured whenflattened against a surface, of from about 3 to 7 inches, and in oneexample, the length of each peg loop is about 5 inches.

In some implementations, the connection system further includes arelease strap attached to the connecting strap such that the connectingstrap is connected at one end to the peg strap and at an opposite end tothe release strap, the connecting strap being thus positioned betweenthe peg strap and the release strap.

Some implementations of the release strap include one or more of thefollowing features.

In some examples, the release strap is formed of a substantiallyinextensible material. The release strap may be made of the samematerial as the peg strap.

In certain examples, the release strap includes an end-loop at one end.The release strap can be attached to the connecting strap by beingpassed through and looped around one loop of the connecting strap andpassed through its end-loop.

Certain aspects are directed to methods of connecting two motorcyclestogether.

In some implementations, such a method comprises acts of (a) draping apeg strap over a top of a first motorcycle, the peg strap having a pegloop at each end and being made of a substantially inextensiblematerial, (b) looping each peg loop of the peg strap around acorresponding foot peg of the first motorcycle, (c) attaching a firstend of a connecting strap to a central region of the peg strap betweenthe ends of the peg strap, and (d) attaching a second end of theconnecting strap to a second motorcycle.

The peg strap and the connecting strap may each include any one or moreof the features discussed above.

In some implementations of the method, the connecting strap includes afirst loop at its first end and a second loop at its second end, whereinattaching the first end of the connecting strap to the peg strapincludes (a) looping the first end of the connecting strap around thecentral region of the peg strap, (b) passing the second end of theconnecting strap over the peg strap and through the first loop to form afirst connection between the connecting strap and the peg strap, and (c)pulling the first connection tight to form a knot around the centralregion of the peg strap.

In some examples of the method, attaching the second end of theconnecting strap to the second motorcycle includes (a) attaching a firstend of a release strap to the second end of the connecting strap, and(b) wrapping a second end around a portion of a handlebar region of thesecond motorcycle.

According to some implementations the release strap includes an end-loopat the first end of the release strap, and attaching the first end ofthe release strap to the connecting strap includes (a) passing therelease strap through the second loop of the connecting strap, (b)wrapping the release strap around the second of the connecting strap andpassing a second end of the release strap through the end-loop to form asecond connection between the release strap and the connecting strap,and (c) pulling the second connection tight to secure the release strapto the connecting strap.

Further aspects are directed to a Y-strap for connecting two motorcyclestogether.

According to some implementations such a Y-strap comprises a lengthportion including a webbing sleeve having first and second ends, and aband of elastic material disposed within the webbing sleeve andextending in a continuous loop, the webbing sleeve including a firstloop disposed at the first end of the webbing sleeve, the length portionfurther including a pair of attachment straps each configured to securea portion of the band to the webbing sleeve at the first and secondends. The Y-strap further comprises first and second strap portionsextending from the second end of the webbing sleeve, each of the firstand second strap portions having a peg loop formed at respective ends ofthe first and second strap portions distal to the webbing sleeve.

Implementations of the Y-strap may include one or more of the followingfeatures.

In one example, the first and second strap portions are extensions ofthe webbing sleeve. In another example, the first and second strapportions are sewn or otherwise attached to the second end of the webbingsleeve.

The band may have a solid, polygonal cross-sectional shape. Thecross-sectional shape of the band may be, for example, square orrectangular.

The attachment strap may be formed of polyester or nylon. In some cases,the attachment strap will bunch up when tension is released from theelastic band causing the elastic band to draw it together. Theattachment strap has two ends, and preferably is looped through the bandand secured by stitching both ends of the attachment strap to thewebbing. In some cases, the first loop of the webbing sleeve is formedby doubling a free end of the sleeve back and securing the free end inplace with the same stitching that secures the ends of the attachmentstrap to the webbing, thereby forming the base of the loop with onecontinuous piece of webbing.

In some implementations, the webbing sleeve is configured for a maximumelongation of 4:1 and the band is configured for a maximum elongation of7:1. The band may be formed of a natural rubber or thermoplasticelastomer, for example, of dipped natural latex. In some cases, the bandis configured to pull no more than 18 pounds of weight, for example, nomore than 15 pounds of weight, before the webbing sleeve engages andtakes the load. The webbing sleeve is configured to prevent the rubberfrom being over stretched as well as protecting the rubber from UVdamage. The band may, for example, have a length of from about 40 to 50inches when in a relaxed (unstretched) condition. At full extension thelength of the band can reach about 160 to 200 inches. The webbing sleevemay be formed of polypropylene or nylon.

In certain examples the first and second strap portions and the webbingsleeve are made of a substantially inextensible material. For example,the first and second strap portions may be made of a nylon or wovenpolypropylene webbing. In some examples, each of the strap portions hasa width of approximately one inch and a thickness in a range of 0.070 to0.075 inches. In one example, each of the strap portions a breakingstrength of 3000 pounds. The strap portions may be made of the samematerial as the webbing sleeve or a different material.

In some examples, each of the strap portions has a length in a range of30 inches to 40 inches. In some examples, each peg loop has a length,measured when flattened against a surface, of from about 3 to 7 inches,and in one example, the length of each peg loop is about 5 inches.

In another aspect, the disclosure features a peg strap designed tofacilitate attachment of embodiments of the connecting strap disclosedherein to a motorcycle. In certain implementations, the peg strap ismade of a substantially inextensible material, such as a nylon or wovenpolypropylene webbing or rope, for example. The material of the pegstrap may be chosen to have sufficient strength to handle the loadforces that may be generated by the pull of one motorbike againstanother when the two motorbikes are connected together using the pegstrap and the connecting strap and are in use. In certain examples, thepeg strap has a breaking strength of about 3000 pounds.

The peg strap includes a peg loop at each end of its length. The pegloops are sized to loop around the foot pegs of a motorcycle. In certainexamples, each peg loop has a length, measured when flattened against asurface, of from about 3 to 7 inches, and in one example, the length ofeach peg loop is about 5 inches. The length of the peg strap may bechosen such that the peg strap can be hooked over a motorcycle to theleft and right foot pegs with enough length to pull backward on themotorcycle toward the end of the seat, but not too far to pull off theback of the bike. In certain examples, the peg strap has a length in arange of 60 inches to 80 inches. In one example, the peg strap has alength of about 67 inches.

Still other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplaryaspects and embodiments are discussed in detail below. Embodiments andimplementations disclosed herein may be combined with other embodimentsand implementations in any manner consistent with at least one of theprinciples disclosed herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below withreference to the accompanying figures, which are not intended to bedrawn to scale. The figures are included to provide illustration and afurther understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, but are notintended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the figures,each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated invarious figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes ofclarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. In thefigures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of users using a connecting strapaccording to one implementation while bicycling;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connecting strap according to oneimplementation, in a relaxed condition;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partially cut-away perspective view showing theconnection between the band, attachment strap and webbing sleeve;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the band, with the webbing sleeve shownin phantom lines and the attachment straps omitted for clarity;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the band taken along line 4A-4A inFIG. 4 ;

FIG. 5 is side view of the connecting strap in a fully relaxed(unstretched) condition;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the connecting strap in a fully extended(stretched) condition, in which the webbing prevents over-stretching ofthe band;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pair of users using a connecting strapaccording to one implementation while riding motorcycles;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a peg strap according to oneimplementation;

FIG. 9A is a side perspective view showing an example of a peg strapattached to a motorcycle;

FIG. 9B is a more detailed view of a portion of FIG. 9A showing the pegstrap attached to the foot peg of the motorcycle;

FIG. 9C is a top perspective view showing an example of a peg strapattached to a motorcycle;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing an example of a method ofattaching a connecting strap to a peg strap according to oneimplementation;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing connection of the connectingstrap and the peg strap of FIG. 10B;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of a Y-strap according toone implementation;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example of a release strap accordingto one implementation;

FIG. 13A is a perspective showing connecting one example of a method ofattaching a connecting strap to a release strap according to oneimplementation;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view showing the connecting strap and therelease strap of FIG. 13A connected together;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing an example of a method ofattaching a release strap to a bicycle according to one implementation;and

FIG. 14B is a perspective view showing the release strap of FIG. 14Awrapped around the bicycle and held by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and embodiments are directed to connection systems including oneor more connection straps and methods of attaching the connectionstrap(s), that allow two persons to engage in a joint sporting activityor allow a person to tow an object.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a connecting strap 10 is used to allow a pair ofusers 12, 14 of different abilities to bicycle together. This is but oneexample of a possible use of the connecting strap 10; other uses will bediscussed below. In this example, a loop 16A at a first end of theconnecting strap is girth hitched around the stem of the bike of user14, while a loop 16B at the opposite end of the connecting strap isslipped over the saddle of the bicycle of user 12 such that it is loopedaround the seat post of user 12. This arrangement securely attaches theconnecting strap at both ends and allows quick and easy attachment andremoval. It is generally preferred that loops 16A and 16B be largeenough to allow this type of attachment; however, if smaller loops areprovided attachment can be by other means, e.g., a locking carabinerthreaded through the loop. In some implementations, the loop has alength, when flattened against a surface, of from about 3 to 6 inches.In other examples, other methods of attaching the connecting strap 10 tothe bike of user 14 may be implemented, such as by using a supplementalstrap, for example, as discussed further below.

Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5-6 , the connecting strap 10 includesan outer sleeve 18 of webbing material which may be formed, for example,of woven polypropylene or Nylon. As shown in FIG. 4 , a continuous bandof elastic material 20 is disposed within the sleeve 18.

The webbing material itself is substantially inextensible, but thesleeve is bunched up relative to the inner elastic band 20 duringmanufacture so that the sleeve can be extended to a much greater lengthby pulling on the opposite loops. For example, the ratio between thelength L1 of the sleeve in the fully relaxed (bunched up) state (FIG. 5) and the length L2 in the fully extended state (FIG. 6 ) may be fromabout 1:3 to 1:4 (a stretch ratio of 3:1 to 4:1). The use of webbing inthis bunched up arrangement around an elastic core is well known in thedog leash art. L1 may be, for example, about 45 to 65 inches, and L2 maybe from about 160 to 200 inches.

The inner band 20 is formed of a natural or synthetic rubber materialthat has greater extensibility than the sleeve. The band may have alength L1 in its unstretched condition of from about 40 to 50 inches (L1being the length of the loop measured as shown in FIG. 4 , not the totallength of the material forming the loop.) At full extension the band mayhave a length L2 of about 160 to 200 inches. Thus, for example, theelasticity of the band may be such that the band could, if not inhibitedby the sleeve, stretch to at least 4 times its relaxed length, i.e.,have a stretch ratio of at least 4:1. In some implementations, the bandcan stretch to 6 or more times its relaxed length, e.g., the band mayhave a stretch ratio of greater than 6:1 or even 7:1 or more. Becausethe band is not fully stretched when further stretching is stopped byfull extension of the sleeve 18 there is a safety factor to preventinadvertent breaking of the band during use. It is preferred for manyapplications that the webbing forming the sleeve have a tensile strengthof at least 1000 lbs, preferably at least 1500 lbs.

The band is preferably configured such that it pulls no more than 18pounds, and in some implementations, no more than 15 pounds (forexample, between 13 and 18 pounds) at the point at which it is fullyextended to length L2 (at which point the webbing sleeve takes anyadditional load.)

As shown in FIG. 4A, the band 20 has a square cross-section, and issolid rather than hollow. However, other cross-sectional shapes can beused, as well as hollow tubing. It is preferred, however, that the bandbe a continuous loop, as shown, rather than a length of material theends of which are glued or tied together. The use of a continuous bandcontributes to the strength and durability of the connecting strap.

The band is secured within the sleeve at two attachment points,corresponding to the locations of the bases of the two loops 16A, 16B.Referring to FIG. 3 , an attachment strap 22 is looped around the band20 and is secured in place by stitching (bar tack 24) that extendsthrough the free end 26 and standing end 28 of the webbing at the baseof the loop 16B. The attachment strap is formed of a material selectedto not cut through or abrade the material of the band under normalconditions of use. For example, one suitable material is wovenpolyester.

The width of the strap is selected to be sufficient to allow a secureattachment via the bar tack, without being so wide that it cannot bethreaded through the loop of the band within the sleeve, while thelength is selected to allow both ends to be securely stitched through bythe bar tack.

Advantageously, the connecting straps described herein have featuresthat provide enhanced safety. For example, the straps tend to smoothlyelongate under tension, rather than jerking the user who is being towed.In this regard, it is generally preferred that the webbing sleeve have asmall amount of elasticity in order to smooth the transition when thewebbing sleeve takes the load at full elongation of the band.

Moreover, due to the protection provided by the sleeve and the robustnature of the band, the connecting strap can be subjected to relativelyhigh forces, and suddenly applied forces, without danger of the innerband failing.

In other embodiments, the band may have a rectangular cross-section, ora non-polygonal cross-section, e.g., round or oval.

In some cases, one or both of the loops may be longer, or of adjustablelength, or may include a hook to allow the loop to be unfastened forpositioning around a user's waist or a large object.

Embodiments of the connecting strap can be used in a wide variety ofapplications, in addition to the bicycling application discussed above.For example, the two users may be on skis, paddleboards, skates,e-bikes, motorbikes, or other types of sports equipment, or the userscan be running, hiking or walking. Rather than assisting with uphill orflat travel, the connecting strap can be used to provide braking duringdownhill travel, in which case the stronger user would be behind theweaker. The connecting strap can also be used as a dog leash, or whenskijoring or bike-joring. In addition, the connecting strap can be usedto pull an inanimate object when it is desired to not have a jerkyconnection, for example when skiing with a sled or pulk.

In certain applications, embodiments of the connecting strap 10 may beused in conjunction with one or more additional straps to facilitateeasy and safe connection between two users. For example, in applicationswhere two motorbikes are to be connected together, the use of one ormore supplemental connection straps may assist in forming a safe,secure, and easy-to-use connection.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in one example, the connecting strap 10 is used toallow a pair of users 12, 14 of potentially different abilities tomotorcycle together. In this example, a first supplemental strap 30,referred to herein as a peg strap, is used in combination with theconnecting strap 10 to facilitate attaching the connection strap 10 tothe motorbike of the first/leading user 12. The peg strap 30 is loopedover and attached to the motorbike of the first user 12 and attached tothe connecting strap 10, as discussed further below with reference toFIGS. 9A-C and 10A-B.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the peg strap 30 includes peg loops 32A, 32Brespectively located at each end of the peg strap 30. The peg loops 32A,32B may be formed by folding free ends of the peg strap 30 back onitself and stitching the end to the strap to form a loop. Alternatively,the peg loops 32A, 32B may be formed using any method known for formingloops in the rope or strapping arts.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-C, the peg strap 30 may be draped over the back ofthe motorbike 34, optionally over an extending portion 36 that extendsrearwards (over the rear wheel 52) from the seat, and the peg loops 32Aand 32B may be hooked around respective foot pegs 38 of the motorbike34. This arrangement securely attaches the peg strap 30 at both ends andallows quick and easy attachment and removal. The connecting strap 10 isattached to the peg strap 30 as shown in FIG. 9C. The connecting strap10 is preferably attached at approximately a center (measured along alength of the peg strap) of the peg strap 30, as shown in FIG. 9C.Rearward pulling force or tension from the connecting strap 10 createssome pressure on the top of the motorcycle 34, but the towing load isput onto the foot pegs 38 which typically are bolted to the frame of themotorcycle, thus making for a very strong and safe anchor. In addition,by draping over the top of the motorcycle (e.g., over the seat and/orthe portion 36 behind the first user 12) the peg strap 30 holds theconnecting strap 10 up high away from the rear tire of the motorbike,thereby preventing the connecting strap 10 from getting caught in therear wheel 52.

The connecting strap 10 may be attached to the peg strap 30 in any ofnumerous ways. In one example, prior to hooking at least one of the pegloops 32A and 32B around a respective foot peg 38 of the motorbike 34,one end of the peg strap 30 may be passed through one of loops (e.g.,loop 16B) of the connecting strap 10. Thus, the connecting strap 10 maybe simply attached to the peg strap 30 by the loop 16B. However, thisarrangement may allow the loop 16B of the connecting strap 10 to slidealong at least a part of the length of the peg strap 30, particularlywhen there is less tension on the straps and/or when sideways force maybe imparted to the strap, for example, when the motorbikes turn acorner. This sliding movement may compromise the security and/or safetyof the connection. Therefore, in certain examples, a more secure methodof attaching the peg strap 30 to the connecting strap 10 may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, in one example, a method of attachingthe peg strap 30 to the connecting strap 10 includes passing one end(e.g., loop 16B) of the connecting strap 10 under the peg strap 30(which may be done before or after the peg loops 32A and 32B are hookedaround the foot pegs 38 of the motorbike 34) and passing the other end(e.g., loop 16A) of the connecting strap 10 through the loop 16B, asshown in FIG. 10A. In FIG. 10A, arrow 40 indicates the passing movementand direction of the loop 16A of the connecting strap 10 through theloop 16B. The connecting strap 10 may then be pulled tight to form asecure knotted attachment between the connecting strap 10 and the pegstrap 30, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 10B. Advantageously, tension on theconnecting strap 10 tightens the knot, thus ensuring that the strapswill not accidentally separate during use. However, the knot may beeasily and quickly undone by a user when disconnection is desired.

The peg strap 30 may be made of various different materials. Embodimentsof the peg strap 30 should be strong enough to handle the forces thatmay be encountered during the activity and not break during use. Inaddition, the peg strap 30 may made of a material that is substantiallyinextensible. The length of the peg strap 30 may be selected such thatthe peg strap 30 hooks over the motorcycle 34 to the left and right footpegs 38 with enough length to pull backward on the motorcycle 34 towardthe end of the seat (as shown in FIG. 9A), but not too far to pull offthe back of the bike. Further, the peg loops 32A and 32B should besufficiently sized to fit easily around the foot pegs 38, but not solarge that they could easily slip off during use.

In one example, the peg strap 30 is made of a nylon webbing having awidth of approximately one inch and a thickness in a range of 0.070 to0.075 inches. However, in other examples, the peg strap 30 may be madeof a nylon or woven polypropylene webbing with different dimensions. Inone example, the nylon webbing has a breaking strength of 3000 pounds,with a maximum recommended working load of 1000 pounds. In addition, inone example, the nylon webbing has a melting point of 380 degreesFahrenheit. However, in other examples, the peg strap 30 may be made ofother materials, including any rope, webbing, strapping, or othermaterial having sufficient strength (i.e., capable of handling a workingload of at least 1000 pounds) and flexibility.

In certain examples, the peg strap 30 has a length (i.e., measuredend-to-end) in a range of 60 inches to 80 inches, and in one example,the peg strap 30 has a length of 67 inches. In certain examples, the pegloops 32A and 32B each has a length, when flattened against a surface,of from about 3 to 7 inches, and in one example, the length of each pegloop 32A, 32B is about 5 inches. In other embodiments, the peg strap 30may have a different length and/or differently sized peg loops 32A, 32B,optionally depending on the size the configuration of the motorbike(s)with which it is to be used.

In certain embodiments, for motorbike and optionally other applications,the connecting strap 10 and the peg strap 30 may be used together as akit and attached to one another as discussed above. In anotherembodiment, a modified connecting strap may be implemented that combinesthe functionality and structure of both the connecting strap 10 and thepeg strap 30.

For example, referring to FIG. 11 there is illustrated an example of amodified connecting strap, referred to herein as a Y-strap 42 that mayreplace the combination of the connecting strap 10 and the peg strap 30.The Y-strap 42 has a length portion 44 corresponding to (i.e., havingthe same construction and materials as) the connecting strap 10discussed above. However, at one end, the loop 16A or 16B of theconnecting strap 10 is replaced with a “Y” structure that includes twostrap portions 46A and 46B, as shown in FIG. 11 . The two strap portions46A and 46B may be made of a webbing, rope, or other strap material thatis sewn or otherwise attached to the end of the length portion 44.Alternatively, the two strap portions 46A and 46B may include extensionsof the outer sleeve 18 of webbing material of the connecting strap 10discussed above. For example, the free end 26 and the standing end 28 ofthe webbing may extend beyond the attachment area of the band 20,forming the strap portions 46A and 46B instead of the loop 16A or 16B.Each strap portion 46A and 46B includes a corresponding peg loop 48A,48B for attachment to the foot pegs 38 of the motorbike 34, as discussedabove. Thus, the Y-strap 42 may be laid across the back of the motorbike34 and the peg loops 48A, 48B hooked around the foot pegs 38 while theother end of Y-strap 42 is attached to a second motorbike (similar to asshown in FIG. 7 ), and the Y-strap 42 functions the same as thecombination of the connecting strap 10 and the peg strap 30.

As discussed above, for certain motorbike applications, one end of theconnecting strap 10 may be attached to the peg strap 30 that is attachedto the motorbike of the leading user 12. The other end of the connectingstrap 10 (or the single end of the Y-strap 42) is attached to themotorbike of the trailing user 14. Connection to the motorbike of thetrailing user 14 may be made in a variety of different ways. In oneexample, the loop 16A of the connecting strap 10 may be hitched around afeature on the trailing motorbike such as a portion of the handlebars,for example. In another example, the connecting strap 10 may be hitcheddirectly to the handlebars or frame of the trailing motorbike by beinglooped through itself, similar to the connection method discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. However, in other examples, anothersupplemental strap may be used to attach the connecting strap 10 to thetrailing motorbike.

In certain examples, a supplemental strap referred to herein as arelease strap 50 may be used to attach the connecting strap 10 to thevehicle, for example, motorbike or bicycle, of the trailing user 14. Therelease strap 50 is a friction-based instant detachment system accessoryfor the connecting strap 10.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the release strap 50 having an end-loop 52at one end. The release strap 50 may be made of any rope, webbing,strapping, or other material having sufficient strength (i.e., capableof handling the forces that may be encountered during use withoutbreaking) and flexibility. In certain examples, the release strap 50 maybe made of the same or a similar material as the peg strap 30, and mayhave the same or similar construction.

The release strap 50 may be attached to the connecting strap 10 usingthe end-loop 52 and a loop 16A of the connecting strap 10. Referring toFIGS. 13A and 13B, in one example, the release strap 50 may be attachedto the connecting strap 10 by passing the release strap 50 through theloop 16A of the connecting strap 10 and passing the release strap 50around the connecting strap 10 and through its own end-loop 52, as shownin FIG. 13A. Pulling the release strap 50 tight then creates a secureknotted connection between the release strap 50 and the connecting strap10, as shown in FIG. 13B. The release strap 50 thus becomes an extensionof the connecting strap 10. Once attached to the connecting strap 10,the release strap 50 provides a simple, safe, secure, and yeteasily-released attachment to the bike (bicycle or motorbike) of thetrailing user 14.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, there is illustrated an example of amethod of attaching the release strap 50 (connected to the connectingstrap 10 as discussed above) to a bicycle. The same method of attachmentmay be used to attach the release strap 50 to a motorbike. In thisexample, the release strap 50 is wound around the stem or frame of thebike and looped up over the handlebars, as shown in FIG. 14A. Thetrailing user 14 holds the release strap 50 in their grip, as shown inFIG. 14B. In this manner, while the connection is maintained by the gripof the user 14, the load forces are taken by the frame of the bike, suchthat the user 14 does not require a lot of strength to maintain theconnection. If the user 14 wishes to disconnect from the bike of theleading user 12, the user 14 may simply loosen their grip on the releasestrap 50, allowing the system to immediately release.

Having described above several aspects of at least one embodiment, it isto be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvementswill readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations,modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of thisdisclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Itis to be appreciated that embodiments of the methods and apparatusesdiscussed herein are not limited in application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in theforegoing description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Themethods and apparatuses are capable of implementation in otherembodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in variousways. Examples of specific implementations are provided herein forillustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Also,the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of“including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” andvariations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter andequivalents thereof as well as additional items. References to “or” maybe construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” mayindicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms.Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way ofexample only, and the scope of the invention should be determined fromproper construction of the appended claims, and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connection strap system comprising: aconnecting strap including a webbing sleeve having a first end and asecond end and having a loop at each end, each loop having a base and afree end, and disposed within the webbing sleeve, a band of elasticmaterial extending in a continuous loop, the connecting strap furtherincluding an attachment strap, adjacent each loop, configured to securea portion of the band to the webbing at the base of each loop; and a pegstrap having a peg-loop at each end, the connecting strap being attachedto the peg strap.
 2. The connection strap system of claim 1 wherein eachattachment strap has two ends and is looped through the band and securedby stitching both ends of the attachment strap to the webbing; andwherein each loop is formed by doubling a free end of the sleeve backand securing the free end in place with the stitching that secures theends of the attachment strap to the webbing sleeve, thereby forming thebase of the loop.
 3. The connection strap system of claim 1 wherein thewebbing sleeve is configured for a maximum elongation of from 3:1 to4:1; and wherein the band is configured to have a stretch ratio of atleast 4:1.
 4. The connection strap system of claim 1 wherein theconnecting strap is looped around a central region of the peg strap, anend of the connecting strap is folded over the peg strap and passedthrough one of the loops to form a connection between the connectingstrap and the peg strap, and the connection is pulled tight to form aknot around the central region of the peg strap.
 5. The connection strapsystem of claim 1 wherein the webbing sleeve and the peg strap are eachformed of a substantially inextensible material.
 6. The connection strapsystem of claim 1 wherein the peg strap has a length in a range of 60inches to 80 inches.
 7. The connection strap system of claim 6 whereineach peg loop has a flattened length in a range of 3 inches to 7 inches.8. The connection strap system of claim 1 wherein the peg strap has abreaking strength of 3000 pounds.
 9. The connection strap system ofclaim 1 further comprising: a release strap attached to the connectingstrap such that the connecting strap is connected at one end to the pegstrap and at an opposite end to the release strap, the connecting strapbeing thus positioned between the peg strap and the release strap. 10.The connection strap system of claim 9 wherein release strap is formedof a substantially inextensible material.
 11. The connection strapsystem of claim 9 wherein the release strap includes an end-loop at oneend, the release strap being attached to the connecting strap by beingpassed through and looped around one loop of the connecting strap andpassed through the end-loop.
 12. A method of connecting two motorcyclestogether, the method comprising: draping a peg strap over a top of afirst motorcycle, the peg strap having a peg loop at each end and beingmade of a substantially inextensible material; looping each peg loop ofthe peg strap around a corresponding foot peg of the first motorcycle;attaching a first end of a connecting strap to a central region of thepeg strap between the ends of the peg strap; and attaching a second endof the connecting strap to a second motorcycle.
 13. The method of claim12 wherein the connecting strap includes a first loop at its first endand a second loop at its second end, and wherein attaching the first endof the connecting strap to the peg strap includes: looping the first endof the connecting strap around the central region of the peg strap;passing the second end of the connecting strap over the peg strap andthrough the first loop to form a first connection between the connectingstrap and the peg strap; and pulling the first connection tight to forma knot around the central region of the peg strap.
 14. The method ofclaim 13 wherein attaching the second end of the connecting strap to thesecond motorcycle includes: attaching a first end of a release strap tothe second end of the connecting strap; and wrapping a second end of therelease strap around a portion of a handlebar region of the secondmotorcycle.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the release strapincludes an end-loop at the first end of the release strap, and whereinattaching the first end of the release strap to the connecting strapincludes: passing the release strap through the second loop of theconnecting strap; wrapping the release strap around the second of theconnecting strap and passing a second end of the release strap throughthe end-loop to form a second connection between the release strap andthe connecting strap; and pulling the second connection tight to securethe release strap to the connecting strap.
 16. A Y-strap for connectingtwo motorcycles together, the Y-strap comprising: a length portionincluding a webbing sleeve having first and second ends, and a band ofelastic material disposed within the webbing sleeve and extending in acontinuous loop, the webbing sleeve including a first loop disposed atthe first end of the webbing sleeve, the length portion furtherincluding a pair of attachment straps each configured to secure aportion of the band to the webbing sleeve at the first and second ends;and first and second strap portions extending from the second end of thewebbing sleeve, each of the first and second strap portions having a pegloop formed at respective ends of the first and second strap portionsdistal to the webbing sleeve.
 17. The Y-strap of claim 16 wherein thefirst and second strap portions are extensions of the webbing sleeve.18. The Y-strap of claim 16 wherein the first and second strap portionsand the webbing sleeve are made of a substantially inextensiblematerial.
 19. The Y-strap of claim 16 wherein each attachment strap hastwo ends and is looped through the band and secured by stitching bothends of the attachment strap to the webbing sleeve.
 20. The Y-strap ofclaim 16 wherein the first loop of the connecting strap is formed bydoubling a free end of the webbing sleeve back and securing the free endin place with the stitching that secures the ends of the attachmentstrap to the webbing sleeve, thereby forming a base of the loop at thefirst end of the webbing sleeve.